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Holiday Decorating Tips

• Read all instructions before you start decorating.
  
• Only use lights for their intended purpose - indoor lights for inside use and outdoor lights for outside decorating. Holiday lights are not for permanent use. They are intended for seasonal use, lasting not more than 90 days at a time.
  
• Check for overhead power lines when decorating outdoors. Stay away and keep all decorations away from all overhead lines.
  
• Lights that worked safely last year may have deteriorated. Check cords for potential hazards to prevent a fire or worse. Examine light cords for frayed wiring or wiring pulled from the sockets and don't use a damaged cord.
  
• Protect electrical connections from rain and dampness by wrapping with electrical tape and keep connections off the ground.
  
• Make sure holiday lights rated 120 Volts are UL (Underwriter's Laboratories) Listed, which ensures the product has been designed and manufactured to meet or exceed industry specifications for safety. Look for the UL mark on the box and UL holographic label on the lights.
  
• Limit the number of light strings to three or less when using an extension cord.
  
• Don't run extension cords under rugs or attach to the walls with staples or nails.
  
• Be sure all Christmas light sockets have bulbs. Empty or broken sockets present a risk of shock.
  
• Only use extension cords for their intended purpose and remember that outdoor applications will require a more durable, outdoor-rated cord. Use only 3-wire grounded, UL-approved extension cords.
  
• Never nail through or staple light strings or extension cords.
  
• Always unplug holiday lights when replacing bulbs and fuses.
  
• Use protective safety caps in unused wall outlets to avoid potential problems with small children.
  
• Keep trees away from fireplaces, radiators, televisions and other heat sources that can accelerate drying.
  
• Never use lights on a metallic tree.
  
• Consider using plastic or brass candoliers instead of real candles.
  
• Ensure that your smoke detectors are operational and fire extinguishers are nearby.
  
• Always unplug all lights, indoor and outdoor, when you are away from home or while you are sleeping.

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